U.S. patent number 6,839,924 [Application Number 10/368,805] was granted by the patent office on 2005-01-11 for blanket and method for swaddling an infant.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Simple Swaddle LLC. Invention is credited to Henley Green Sims.
United States Patent |
6,839,924 |
Sims |
January 11, 2005 |
Blanket and method for swaddling an infant
Abstract
An infant swaddle blanket having a central receiving section
with a fitted upper edge for engaging the infant's neck and
shoulders; a first flap from one side of the central section; a
tongue extending from the upper portion of the first flap; and a
second flap extending from the opposite side of the central
section, a skid-resistant material on its bottom surface. An
improved fit is provided through the infant's shoulders with curved
shoulder seams and long elastic seams on the top edge of the
blanket. The infant is placed backside down on the central section
with a first arm against its side; the first flap is wrapped over
the infant's right arm and torso; the tongue is tucked around the
infant's second side, under the armpit and across the infant's
back; the infant's second arm is placed next to its side; the
second flap is wrapped over the second arm, torso, and first flap
and secured to the first flap with hook and loop fasteners.
Inventors: |
Sims; Henley Green (Austin,
TX) |
Assignee: |
Simple Swaddle LLC (Austin,
TX)
|
Family
ID: |
32850208 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/368,805 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/494; 2/69.5;
5/413R; 5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B
13/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A41B
13/06 (20060101); A41B 13/00 (20060101); A47G
009/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;2/69,69.5
;5/413R,655 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Trettel; Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Yeager; Rick B.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An infant swaddle blanket comprising: a central section
comprising a first side and a second side, and an inner surface and
an outer surface; a first flap extending sidewardly from the
central section first side; a second flap extending sidewardly from
the central section second side; a first curved shoulder seam at
the upper portion of the intersection of the first flap and the
central receiving section; a second curved shoulder seam at the
upper portion of the intersection of the second flap and the
central receiving section; and a tongue extending sidewardly from
the first flap.
2. The swaddle blanket of claim 1 further comprising at least one
hook and loop closure means for securing the second flap to the
first flap.
3. The swaddle blanket of claim 1 further comprising a means for
securing the bottom portion of the second flap to the bottom
portion of the first flap.
4. The swaddle blanket of claim 1 wherein the central section, the
first flap, and the second flap comprise a breathable fabric.
5. The swaddle blanket of claim 4 wherein the breathable fabric
further comprises a inner surface liner layer; and an outer surface
layer.
6. The swaddle blanket of claim 1 wherein the central section, the
first flap, and the second flap comprise a flannel material.
7. The swaddle blanket of claim 1 wherein the central section has a
top edge which is elasticized, and the elasticized top edge extends
in a first direction along a portion of a top edge of the first
flap, and extends in a second direction along a portion of a top
edge of the second flap.
8. The swaddle blanket of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the
outer surface of the central section is a skid-resistant
material.
9. An infant swaddle blanket comprising: a central section
comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom
edge, a first side, and a second side; a first flap comprising an
inner surface, an outer surface, a first side, a second side
integral to the central section first side, a top edge, and a
bottom edge; a tongue integral to the first flap first side, the
tongue comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and an edge;
and a second flap comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a
first side integral to the central section second side, a second
side having a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; a first
curved shoulder seam extending alone a portion of the top edge of
the central receiving section and a portion of the first flag top
edge; and a second curved shoulder seam extending along a portion
of the top edge of the central receiving section and a portion of
the second flag top edge.
10. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 further comprising at least one
hook and loop closure means for securing the second flap to the
first flap.
11. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 further comprising a means for
securing the bottom portion of the second flap to the bottom
portion of the first flap.
12. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein the central section, the
first flap, the tongue, and the second flap comprise a breathable
fabric such as cotton.
13. The swaddle blanket of claim 12 wherein the breathable fabric
further comprises a inner surface liner layer; and an outer surface
layer.
14. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein the central section, the
first flap, the tongue, and the second flap comprise a flannel
material.
15. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein the central section top
edge is concave.
16. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein the central section top
edge is elasticized, and the elasticized top edge extends in a
first direction along a portion of the top edge of the first flap,
and extends in a second direction along a portion of the top edge
of the second flap.
17. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein the tongue is rounded
and can be wrapped under an infant positioned in the central
section, such that the tongue extends approximately from the
infant's armpit to the infant's thigh.
18. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of
the outer surface of the central section is a skid-resistant
material.
19. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein a first portion of the
outer surface of the first flap is a hook and loop fastening
material; and a second portion of the outer surface of the second
flap is a hook and loop fastening material, such that roll
restriction devices may be removable attached to the first portion
and the second portion after swaddling an infant.
20. The swaddle blanket of claim 9 wherein the width between the
first curved shoulder seam and the second curved shoulder seam is
about 8 to 10 inches; the combined width of the tongue, first flap,
central section, and second flap is about 34 to 41 inches; and the
central portion has a length of about 26 to 28 inches.
21. A method of swaddling an infant in an asymmetrical swaddle
blanket, the infant having a head, a neck, a torso, a first arm in
proximity to a first side, a second arm in proximity to a second
side, and a back, the method comprising: providing an infant
swaddle blanket comprising a central section comprising a first
side, and a second side; a first flap comprising a first side, and
a second side integral to the central section first side, a tongue
integral to the first flap first side; and a second flap comprising
a first side integral to the central section second side, and a
second side; placing an infant back down in the central section,
such that the head extends above the top edge of the central
section; positioning the first arm by his first side, the first arm
being the arm adjacent to the first flap; folding the first flap
over the first arm and the torso; folding the tongue under the
second arm with a portion of the tongue placed between the infant's
back and the inner surface of the central portion; positioning the
second arm by his second side; folding the second flap over his
second arm, torso, and first flap, thereby providing a swaddling
effect; and securing the second flap with respect to the first
flap.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising removable attaching a
first roll restriction device to the first side of the swaddled
infant; and removable attaching a second roll restriction device to
the second side of the swaddled infant.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a blanket and method for wrapping
or swaddling an infant.
2. Discussion
Wrapping or swaddling an infant is believed to improve the baby's
comfort, such as by simulating the way a baby would feel in its
mother's womb or arms. Swaddled babies are believed to be calmer
than infants that are not swaddled.
Conventional rectangular baby blankets can be used to wrap an
infant, but those conventional blankets have a number of
limitations including an excess of material which can cause
overheating or discomfort, difficulty in properly folding the
blanket to achieve a good wrap, lack of good fit around the
infant's neck and shoulders, lack of ability to inspect a diaper
without unwrapping the infant, lack of a closure to maintain the
wrap, and a relatively smooth back surface which makes it difficult
to safely handle a wrapped infant.
Swaddle blankets, other baby blankets, and baby sleeping bags are
shown in prior art devices for keeping young babies and infants
warm and secure.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,442 to Smith on Jul. 9, 2002 describes an
infant wrap having a quadrangular, generally bilaterally
symmetrical sheet of fabric material, with overlapping upper and
lower flaps and fabric sleeves.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,612 issued to Thach, et al. on May 28, 2002
describes a swaddling garment including an elongated shell and a
pair of internal restraints for receiving the arms of the baby.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,397 to Kliegl, et al. on Jan. 29, 2002
describes a baby wrapping blanket having a generally pentagonal
shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,502 to Exstrom on Aug. 7, 2001 describes a
method and apparatus combining pacifier, pacifier holder and
swaddling blanket for extended pacification of infants.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,827 to Lear on Dec. 29, 1998 describes a baby
wrapping blanket with side flaps and a slit. The first side flap is
configured to be wrapped around the infant, inserted through the
slit and secured to the outer surface. The second side flap is
configured to be wrapped around the infant and over the previously
folded first side flap.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,094, issued to Ruefer, on Mar. 3, 1998
discloses an infant swaddling apparatus defining a pocket that is
closed on the sides and bottom, a hood, and hook-and-loop material
for closing the pocket around an infant to retain body heat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,095 issued to Schneider on Mar. 18, 1997
discloses a multifunction baby wrap which converts to a blanket, a
bunting, a pad, a fitted wrap, or a shoulder wrap. It is adaptable
for use with a child's car seat which is fitted with a restraint
system, a front or back carrying pack for carrying infants or
toddlers, a stroller or walker, a swing or jumping unit which
contains a child, a grocery cart, a high chair, or like equipment
in which the infant's legs must be separated. U.S. Pat. No.
5,129,406 issued to Magnusen et al. on Jul. 14, 1992 discloses an
infant garment with crossed over arm positioning sleeves,
particularly for premature and drug addicted infants, that is
comprised of a saclike body with two extended sleeves that cross
over each other, wrap around the child, and then attach in the
back. The garment is designed to allow for passage of test leads
and tubes through the opening in the front of the garment while the
garment remains closed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,204 issued to Mohler on Sep. 10, 1991 discloses
a wrapping article having a generally triangular left-hand slide
flap, a generally triangular right-hand side flap, first and second
booties or stocking feet, and a hood. The article includes strips
of hook and loop fabric for releasably securing the side flaps
together when they are in the overlapped condition.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,250 issued to Troncone, et al. on Dec. 25, 1990
of an upper portion having two symmetric wings so that opposing
corners of the lower panel can be wrapped around and behind the
infant, leaving the infant snugly encapsulated within the multiple
layers of the blanket with no excess accumulation or bagging of
material.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,885, issued to Lunt on Feb. 6, 1990 discloses a
one-piece infant bunting formed from a single blank of multi-layer
fabric with a thermal insulation core layer, a hood section, and
hook-and-loop fasteners.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,353 issued to Als et al. on Sep. 16, 1986
discloses an infant garment having a sack portion adapted to
receive the legs of an infant, and two flaps to wrap around the
arms and overlap behind the body.
U.S. Pat. No. 373,939, issued to Sheahon on Jun. 19, 1973 discloses
a neonatal wrap of a plastic sheet with a series of flaps on each
side of the sheet, a foot pocket, and a hood. The flaps, foot
pocket, or hood may be selectively folded back for access to the
infant.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 395,188 issued to Rush on Jun. 16, 1998 shows
a nursing/receiving blanket.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 407,528 issued to Swink on Mar. 30, 1999 shows
a baby bundler blanket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The current invention includes embodiments of a swaddle blanket
which reduce overheating in a swaddled infant by providing a
minimal amount of lightweight breathable material with improved fit
features. In various embodiments, the improved fit features include
curved shoulder seams, tapered upper edges, elasticized upper
edges, a profiled tongue for wrapping around the infant's first arm
and under the second armpit, and selectable leg section closures.
Through one or more of the improved fit features, a swaddle may be
achieved which is functional, in that it secures the arms by the
infant's sides, without being too tight. In addition to the
reduction in overheating, the leg section provides room for leg
movement, which is believed to be beneficial in hip socket
development.
One embodiment of the current invention is a lightweight breathable
blanket having a central receiving section for engaging the
infant's neck and shoulders with flaps on either side of the
central receiving section. The central section includes curved
shoulder seams. The first flap is longer than the second flap, and
is wrapped partially around the infant. The second flap is wrapped
across the first flap, and its upper portion is secured with a hook
and loop fastener to the upper portion of the first flap.
One embodiment of the current invention is an asymmetrical lined
cotton lightweight, breathable, blanket which has a minimal amount
of surface area to achieve a secure swaddle around an infant. In a
right-handed example of this embodiment, the blanket has a central
receiving section for engaging the infant's neck and shoulders, a
first flap to the left of the central section, a tongue extending
from the upper left side of the first flap, and a second flap
extending to the right of the central section.
The invention further includes a method for wrapping the infant in
the blanket. In the right-handed example, a right-handed mother
places the infant backside down on the central section; places the
infant's right arm against the infant's right side; wraps the first
flap over the infant's right arm and torso; tucks the tongue around
the infant's left side, under the armpit and across the infant's
back; places the infant's left arm next to the left side; wraps the
second flap over the left arm, torso, and first flap; and secures
the second flap to the first flap with hook and loop fasteners.
In a similar left-handed example, a mirror image blanket and method
are provided.
Other embodiments of the blanket include a single layer of
material, two layers of material such as a decorative outer layer
and a soft inner layer, and a variety of materials such as flannel,
fleece, or cotton.
Other embodiments include lower fastening means independent of the
flap fastening and elastic edges on the lower portion of the
central section and left flap to facilitate the gathering of the
lower edges to form either a loose or relatively tight closure of
the lower portion of the swaddle.
Other embodiments include improved fit features such as a crewed
neck, a v-neck, elasticized top edges which engage the infant's
shoulders, curved shoulder seams where his shoulders meet the
blanket edge to facilitate proper positioning and wrapping.
Other embodiments include a variety of fastening means such as
snaps, ties, or hook and loop fasteners; and a plurality of
fastening positions relative to the second flap and first flap in
order to permit swaddling of different sizes of infants.
Other embodiments include incorporation of a skid-resistant
material on at least a portion of the underneath side of the
central section to facilitate safer handling of the swaddled
infant.
Other embodiments include fastening means such as hook and loop
fasteners on the sides of the swaddled infant to engage side roll
restraints to restrict the ability of the swaddled infant to roll
onto her side or back.
Variations and equivalent arrangements of the invention will be
obvious to those skilled in the art and are to be considered to be
within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a top view of the inner surface of an unfolded blanket
of one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1B is a top view of the outer surface of an unfolded blanket
of one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1C is a top view detail of the upper portion of the blanket of
FIG. 1 showing the curved shoulder seams and the elasticized upper
edge.
FIG. 1D is a perspective view detail illustrating elastic sewed
between a liner layer and an outside layer.
FIG. 1E is a perspective view detail illustrating elastic sewed
inside of a hem.
FIG. 2A is a top view of an infant positioned on the blanket of
FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2B is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A with a first
flap folded over the infant and a tongue tucked behind the
infant.
FIG. 2C is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2B with the
infant's arm positioned by its side.
FIG. 2D is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2C with the second
flap wrapped over the infant and secured.
FIG. 3A is a top view of a swaddled infant illustrating roll
restriction devices.
FIG. 3B is a side view of a swaddled infant and a roll restriction
device.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the inner surface of an unfolded blanket
illustrating regions of a blanket with a central section, a first
flap, a tongue, and a second flap.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a right-handed method of
wrapping an infant in a right-handed blanket.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the inner surface of an unfolded blanket
illustrating regions of a blanket with a central section, a first
flap, and a second flap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIG. 1A, which is the inner surface 12 of an
unfolded infant, swaddle blanket 10, in this example, the blanket
has a continuous edge including top edge 50, a first edge side 20,
and second side edge 30, and bottom edge 40. Although the blanket
is shown as a flat article, elasticized edges and curved shoulder
seams prevent the blanket from laying flat.
In this example, the top edge 50 includes a shallow crew neck 52
for engaging the back of an infant's neck. An elastic lining 54 is
provided through the crew neck 52, in a portion of the top edge
extending from the neck to the first side edge, and in a portion of
the top edge extending from the neck to the first side edge. This
elasticized region typically includes that portion of the upper
edge between the outside of an infant's shoulders when an infant is
positioned in the blanket.
The top edge may have various profiles including a slight downward
taper in each direction from the neck as illustrated in FIG. 1, or
straight extensions in either direction from the neck. In this
embodiment, the first side edge includes a tongue 25 which is used
to wrap over the infant's torso and behind the infant's back as
described below. In other embodiments, the first side edge may be
the angled or straight edge of a flap which wraps around the
infant's torso.
In this embodiment, a first set of three hook and loop fastener
segments 32a, 32b and 32c are inset from the second side edge 30.
Further inset from the second side edge in this example are a
second set of hook and loop fastener segments 33a and 33b. In other
examples, the number, placement, and type of fastener means may be
varied.
In this example the bottom edge 40 includes an elastic edge section
42 and snaps 43a and 43b; and 44a and 44b. In this example, the
snap portions include a male or female portion affixed near one
side of the bottom edge, and a corresponding female or male portion
affixed near the other side of the bottom edge. Alternately, hook
and loop fasteners or other fasteners means may be used to secure
the lower portion of the wrapped blanket. The blanket typically
includes decorative, breathable, cotton or other fabric material as
an outside material and a breathable liner is used for the inner
surface 12 as a lining material.
Referring now to FIG. 1B which is a top view of the outer side of
an unfolded infant blanket 10, the bottom surface 14 typically
comprises a decorative fabric. In this example, a strip of
skid-resistant material 16 similar to that found on an infant
pajama foot is provided. The skid resistant surface provides an
improved grip when handling the baby. Also provided on the back
side of the blanket or hook and loop fastener sections 26a, 26b and
26c which engage corresponding parts 32a-c or 33a-b respectively.
The second set of fastener segments 33a and 33b permit the swaddle
blanket to be wrapped snuggly around a smaller infant, while the
second set 32a-c is for a larger infant.
Referring now to FIG. 1C, which is a detailed view of the top edge
of the blanket, the top edge 50 of the blanket is shown upturned
slightly in the middle of the blanket due to a first curved
shoulder seam 61 and a second curved shoulder seam 62. These curved
shoulder seams are positioned so that the top of each seam will be
at the infant's shoulder, and so that the seam will extend
partially down the infant's arm when the arm is placed beside the
infant. In this example, the curved shoulder seams are
approximately 31/4 inches long, and may be of shorter or longer
length in other examples.
An elasticized neck region is provided in this example by elastic
sewn or otherwise affixed within a hem of the blanket, with the
elastic extending through the neck region in both directions
approximately 75% of the distance between the curved shoulder
pleats and the tongue or second side respectively. The combination
of the elasticized neck region and the curved shoulder seams
provides a secure fit around the infant's shoulders, and helps
confine the infant's arms within the folded swaddle blanket without
requiring that the swaddle be tight. By contrast, a flat blanket
typically cannot be folded in such a way as to confine the arms
reliably without the blanket being pulled tightly around the
infant.
Referring now to FIG. 1D, an example of elasticized edges include
lingerie elastic 80 sewed between a first liner layer 12 and a
second outside layer 14. Referring now to FIG. 1E, another example
of an elasticized edge is an elastic 81 sewed on the inside hem of
the liner layer 82 and the outside layer. An elastic may also be
affixed to a single layer of material. In this example, the
elasticized edges include the bottom edge and a portion of the top
edge. In other embodiments, the blanket is provided with an
elasticized top edge or bottom edge, or is provided without
elasticized top or bottom portions.
Referring now to FIG. 2A which illustrates an infant 100 placed on
the top surface 12 of the swaddle blanket 10. The infant has a head
101, a first arm 102, a second arm 103, a torso 104, a first leg
105, and a second leg 106. The baby is placed on the swaddle
blanket such that the baby's neck 107 is over the crew neck notch
52 and is essentially oriented longitudinally on the blanket. The
baby's first arm 102 is placed along side the baby's torso 104
while the second arm 103 is extended.
Referring now to FIG. 2B, first side edge and in particularly the
first side tongue 25 is wrapped under the baby's torso such that
the baby's first arm 102 is contained by that portion of the wrap
while the baby's second arm 103 is free. The figure illustrates the
first side tongue 25 being partially underneath the infant while
the fold creates a first folded edge 28 along the infant's torso
under the second arm 103 and the fold creates a second folded edge
27, which is a new first outside edge. The wrapping extends over
the legs such as shown by FIG. 2B but does not necessarily confine
the legs within the wrap. The hook and loop fastener section 32A
through 32C and second optional set of fasteners 32A through 33C
are also shown in the figure. More or fewer than three sections of
hook and loop fastener may be provided. For instance the hook and
loop fastener may be provided as a single straight of hook and loop
material or may have a plurality of hook and loop materials.
Generally the hook and loop fasteners will end at or above the
baby's thigh in order to minimize the restrictions on the movement
of the baby's hips and legs.
Referring now to FIG. 2C the baby's second arm 103 is placed by the
baby's side.
Referring now to FIG. 2D the second edge is then wrapped around the
baby's second arm 103 and fastened with one or more hook and loop
fasteners as shown. One type of hook and loop faster is a first
section of hook material and mates with a second section of loop
material. Another type of hook and loop fastener includes both
sections on a strap which is passed through a buckle and fastened
back onto itself. In this way the baby is swaddled with the arms by
the baby's side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
Roll Restriction
The swaddled baby may be placed between roll restriction devices
such as wedged type bumpers to restrain the baby from turning on
the baby's stomach so that the baby will remain on its back.
Referring now to FIG. 3A, wedges or other roll restriction devices
310 and 320 may be attached to the swaddle blanket by means of
fasteners 312 and 322 such as a hook and loop fastener attached to
the bottom fabric material of the blanket.
Referring now to FIG. 3B which is a left side view of a swaddled
infant, a roll restriction device 320 is removably attached to a
hook and loop fastener 322 on the side of the swaddle blanket. The
hook and loop fastener 322 is on the bottom surface of the blanket
and is exposed on the side after the second flap is wrapped over
the infant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
Bottom Closure Snaps
In this example, the bottom of the swaddle blanket may be
optionally secured by snaps or hook and loop fastener devices to
provide a loose closure of the material. By providing separate
closure means on the upper portion and the lower portion of the
wrap, the bottom can be undone without unswaddling the baby,
thereby permitting the infant to be placed in a car seat, and
permitting access to check the infant's diaper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
Blanket Sections with Tongue
Referring now to FIG. 4A the swaddle blanket can be discussed in
terms of sections of the blanket, which in this example include a
tongue 210, a first flap 220, a receiving portion 240 and a second
flap 260. The receiving portion 240 includes a top surface for
receiving the infant, a top edge 241, a first side 242, a second
side 243 and a bottom edge 244. In this example the sides 242 and
243 are continuous with adjoining regions and do not define
external edges.
The first flap 220 includes a top edge 221, a first side 222, a
second side 223 which is integral with the first side 242 of the
receiving portion, and a bottom edge 224. In this example the top
edge 241 is a gentle crew neck portion which is a shallow concave
top edge. In this example, the top edge 221 of the first flap is
slightly tapered between the second side 223 and the first side 222
of the first flap. In other examples, this top edge may have a
different profile such as more tapered as shown in FIG. 1, or
straight.
The tongue portion 210 is integral to the first side 222 of the
first flap. In this example the tongue portion is a rounded member
having a width approximately equal to the width of the first flap
or slightly longer than the first flap. The tongue includes an
external edge 215 which extends from the top edge 221 of the first
flap to the bottom edge 224 of the first flap. In other examples
the tongue may be rectangular, triangular, or other shapes.
The blanket also includes a second flap 260 which, in this example,
has a slightly tapered top edge 261 extending from a first side 262
to a second edge 263. In other examples, this top edge may have a
different profile such as more tapered as shown in FIG. 1, or
straight. The second flap also includes a bottom edge 264 which
extends from the second edge 263 to the bottom edge 244 of the
receiving portion. This example, the receiving portion 240 is
slightly larger than the width of the infant from outside of a
first arm to the outside of a second arm when the infant is lying
on the receiving section.
In this example, a right handed version is shown which is
convenient for a right handed caregiver, such as a mother, to be
able to tuck the tongue underneath the infant. In other examples a
left handed asymmetrical blanket may be provided where the second
side has a tongue and the first side is a mirror image of this
embodiment.
In this example, the central receiving section is the area between
the first curved shoulder seam 61 and the second curved shoulder
seam 62, and extending downward to the bottom edge. As described
above, the curved shoulder seams tend to prevent the blanket from
laying flat, and the neck region and adjoining upper flap edges are
curled above the other portions of the blanket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
Improved Blanket
In this embodiment a swaddle blanket is provided which is improved
relative to prior art blankets.
One improvement relates to ease of use in swaddling an infant. The
swaddle blanket, having a profile as described in FIG. 4, is
unfolded so that an inner receiving layer is facing upwards. An
infant is placed back down on the receiving blanket so that the
infant's neck overlaps the top edge of the central section, and the
infant's shoulders are positioned between the first curved shoulder
seam and the second curved shoulder seam. These curved shoulder
seams, along with the upper edge of the central section, are
convenient reference points for efficient positioning of the
infant. Once the infant is positioned, the tongue can be wrapped
over the infant's first arm and tucked underneath the second armpit
and behind the infant's back. The shape and position of the tongue
facilitate an efficient first wrapping motion. The second flap is
then overlapped the infant's second arm and the first flap; and
conveniently placed hook and loop fastener sections permit
efficient closure of the flaps. In this example, the shape of the
swaddle blanket and the hook and loop closure permits a relatively
easy swaddling of an infant.
A second advantage over prior art blankets is the reduction in
potential overheating in a swaddled infant by providing a minimal
amount of lightweight breathable material with improved fit
features. These improved fit features contribute to reduced
overheating in three ways. First, the fit features allow a blanket
to be provided with less material so that a wrapped infant is
surrounded by less material. Second, the fit features permit the
infant to be wrapped less tightly than in conventional blankets,
and still achieve an effective swaddle. Third, the swaddle may be
left loose or loosely closed at the legs. In this embodiment, the
improved fit features include curved shoulder seams, elasticized
upper edges, a profiled tongue, and selectable leg section
closures.
A third advantage over prior art blankets is that the loose leg
section provides room for leg movement, which is believed to be
beneficial in hip socket development.
A fourth advantage over prior art blankets is that, even if the leg
section closures are used, the leg section may be undone without
unwrapping the swaddle. Thus a swaddled infant's diaper may be
checked, or a swaddled infant may be placed in a carseat without
unswaddling the infant.
The blanket is provided in three sizes-small, medium, and large.
The small blanket is 26 inches long, 34 inches wide at its widest
point, and 10 inches wide between the curved shoulder seams. The
medium blanket is 26 inches long, 361/2 inches wide at its widest
point, and 10 inches wide between the curved shoulder seams. The
large blanket is 28 inches long, 41 inches wide at its widest
point, and 10 inches wide between the curved shoulder seams. These
blankets will be offered as Simple Swaddle.TM. blankets by Swaddle
Sack, LLC of Austin, Tex.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
Right-handed Wrapping Method
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a right-handed method of
wrapping an infant in a right-handed blanket having a central
receiving section for engaging the infant's neck and shoulders; a
first flap to the left of the central section; a tongue extending
from the upper left side of the first flap; and a second flap
extending to the right of the central section.
At step 400, the blanket is layed flat with a receiving surface
facing upwards. At step 410, the infant is placed backside down on
the central section of the blanket. At step 420, the infant's right
arm is placed against the infant's right side. At step 430, the
first flap is wrapped over the infant's right arm and torso. At
step 440, the tongue is tucked around the infant's left side and
under the armpit and across the infant's back. At step 450, the
infant's left arm is placed next to the infant's left side. At step
460, the second flap is wrapped over the left arm, torso, and first
flap. At step 470, the upper portion of the second flap is secured
to the first flap with hook and loop fasteners. At step 480, the
lower portion of the second flap is secured to the first flap with
a fastener means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
Two Flap Embodiment
Referring now to FIG. 6, a blanket is provided with a central
section 240, a first flap 220, and a second flap 260. In this
embodiment, there is not a tongue section. The upper portion of the
first flap is wrapped over the infant and behind the infant's
back.
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